Treating a Child's Sunburn at Home — and When to Call the Doctor
Cool compresses, fluids, and acetaminophen handle most mild childhood sunburns — but blisters, fever, or chills mean it's time to call the pediatrician.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends cool compresses or cool baths and acetaminophen for mild childhood sunburn, and advises calling the pediatrician if there are blisters, fever, chills, headache, or a general feeling of illness.
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that an infant under one year with any sunburn should be seen by a doctor, and that severe symptoms such as blistering, fever, or feeling generally unwell warrant prompt medical attention rather than home care alone.
Questions we get a lot
What can I give my child for sunburn pain at home?
For a mild sunburn, the AAP suggests cool compresses or a cool bath to soothe the skin and acetaminophen to ease discomfort, used according to the dosing for your child's weight and age. Offer extra fluids, because sunburned skin loses moisture. Keep the affected skin covered and out of the sun while it heals.
When should I call the pediatrician about my child's sunburn?
Call the pediatrician if your child develops blisters, a fever, chills, a headache, or a general feeling of illness after a sunburn. These can signal a more serious burn or related illness that needs medical evaluation. Any sunburn in an infant under one year should also be checked by a doctor.
Should I pop my child's sunburn blisters?
No. Leave blisters intact, since breaking them open raises the risk of infection and slows healing. Blistering is also one of the signs the AAP says should prompt a call to your pediatrician. Cover the area loosely and keep it out of the sun while it heals.
r/Parenting: 'My 4-year-old got a pink sunburn on his shoulders at the park today. He's not blistering but he's whiny — can I treat this at home or do I need to call someone?'